4MATIC – How to deal with a Mercedes-Benz in the snow

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Snow is expected in half of the world and many Mercedes-Benz drivers have the best ally they could get in times like these: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. It is now available from the compact class to vans and trucks.

The 4MATIC logo on the rear of your car comes with extra safety and relief. Except for Roadster models, all Mercedes-Benz units can currently get the system, starting with the A-Class and proceeding with the C-Class and the CLS. The new Mercedes-Benz X 350 d 4MATIC is also available with an all-wheel drive system.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the smallest car to get the fully variable 4MATIC. The system is available for the new A-Class with the 1991 cc petrol engine in two different output variants: as the A 220 4MATIC with 190 horsepower and as the A 250 4MATIC rated at 224 horsepower. Their engines deliver power to all wheels via an automated 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2)

A rear axle differential with an integrated multi-plate clutch is now electro-mechanically powered instead of being electro-hydraulically. According to necessities, 100% of the drive torque can be directed to the front axle or into the opposite direction, to the rear. Via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch, the driver can customize the characteristics of the system now more than before. A four-link suspension is mounted on the rear axle for vehicles equipped with 4MATIC.

The most popular model series of the brand, the C-Class, now having entered its fifth year of production, is also available with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive alongside the mid-range petrol and diesel engines, including for example the C 300 d 4MATIC with 245 horsepower, as Saloon and Estate, and the C 400 4MATIC rated 333 horsepower, as the Coupé and Cabriolet.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet (2)

Wintry roads no longer cause anxiety, as the 4MATIC has an active all-wheel torque distribution of 45 % to the front and 55 % to the rear. At the top of the range sits the C-Class with the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension, providing variable damping control at each wheel.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is the ideal blend between elegance and practicality. The third generation of the four-door coupe boasts its most powerful variant: the CLS 450 4MATIC comes with 367 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, but also an EQ Boost feature and a 48 Volt on-board electrical system.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

The Mercedes-Benz CLS models with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive feature a sporty setup with an all-wheel drive torque distribution of 45 percent to the front and 55 percent to the rear.

The X-Class is specifically designed for the roughest of roads. The premium pick-up blow up contradictions, coming with a modern design and impressive off-road capabilities.

Mercedes-Benz X 350 d 4MAtIC

The X 350 d 4MATIC is the top of the range, being powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine rated at 258 horsepower and 550 Nm of maximum torque plus the proven combination of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with low-range reduction gear and optional differential lock on the rear axle.

The X 350 d 4MATIC is also equipped with a two-stage transfer case and a central differential for unparalleled driving dynamics and control when the going gets tough.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van also comes with promises of excellent handling, great traction and safety. For the first time the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission is also optionally available for the van with all-wheel drive.

One step further, we reach the Unimog U 4023, the extreme truck with its welded frame and tubular cross-members, portal axles, low vehicle center of gravity and a maximum fording depth of up to 1.20 m.

The Unimog U 4023 is powered by a four-cylinder 5.1-liter engine with an output of 231 horsepower, as its designation indicates.